SUBMITTING EVIDENCE TO A LABORATORY

The security force member desiring to submit evidence to a forensic laboratory should do so through the evidence custodian. The evidence custodian is responsible for the proper preparation and transmittal of evidence to the laboratory.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) operates two regional forensic laboratories (NCISRFL) located in San Diego, California, and Norfolk, Virginia. These laboratories are capable of analysis of suspected drug substances, latent fingerprint identification, questioned document examination, arson debris analysis, serial number restoration, and other types of specialized trace identifications.

Evidence may be submitted to local or state forensic laboratories. The U.S. Army CID Laboratory in Georgia may also be used. Special agents from the NCISRFLs or NCIS are available to provide assistance and answer any questions that may arise.

PREPARATION AND TRANSMITTAL OF EVIDENCE

When using a local or state forensic laboratory, you must first have a memorandum of understanding that allows you to use its facility.

The following nine steps must be followed when preparing evidence for submission to a forensic laboratory:

1. Complete a Forensic Examination Request (OPNAV Form 5527/15) in an original and one copy. An example of a properly filled-out forensic examination request form is illustrated in figure 17-4.

2. Submit the original with the evidence. Maintain the copy in the investigative case file.

3. Each item of evidence should be wrapped or packaged separately.

4. Each item should be labeled to correspond with the entries on the examination request form and packed securely in a box. Documentary evidence may be placed in an envelope or a series of envelopes enclosed in another envelope.

5. The box or envelope must be sealed with evidence tape and initialed in such a way that removing the tape would destroy the initials.

6. The original forensic examination request form and the original evidence/property custody receipt must be placed in an envelope, and the envelope sealed and addressed to the laboratory to the attention of the evidence custodian.

7. The sealed envelope should be securely taped to the box or envelope containing the evidence.

8. The box containing the evidence is wrapped in heavy paper (or in the case of an envelope, enclose it in another envelope). NOTE: Multiple items of evidence may be contained in one outer container. However, items of evidence from different cases must be packaged for shipment separately to avoid cross-contamination and possible chain of custody problems.

9. The sender should place his or her initials or signature across the sealed flap of the inner envelope or across the paper tape used to seal the inner box and then cover the initials with transparent tape.

METHODS OF TRANSMITTAL TO A FORENSIC LABORATORY

Selecting a method of transmittal of evidence to the crime lab depends on the type of evidence and the urgency of need for the results.

There are three methods of transmittal: First-Class Mail, registered mail, freight, or hand-carry.

Chemicals, gases, ammunition, and explosive or inflammable materials may not be transmitted through the U.S. mail. These types of materials may normally be sent by freight or hand-carried as long as compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is met.

Before such items of evidence are forwarded, the lab must be notified that the shipment is planned, and specific information about the item and method of packaging must be included in the notification.

WRAPPING, PACKAGING, AND TRANSMITTING

Evidence should be packaged and wrapped to minimize friction and to prevent shifting, breaking, leaking, or contact with other evidence.

Items such as glass fragments, evidence in glass containers, impressions, casts, ammunition, bullets, cartridge cases, tablets, and capsules, which are

Figure 17-4.-Forensic Examination Request (OPNAV Form 5527/15).

particularly susceptible to breaking, marring, or other destructive changes, should be packed in cotton or soft paper.

When evidence is to be examined for fingerprints, each item of evidence should be packed in a manner that prevents damage to the fingerprints. This is accomplished by fastening the object in the container so that it will not shift and so that other objects will not come in contact with the areas of the object suspected of containing fingerprints.

The nature of the evidence will govern the use of warning notices to be affixed to the outside wrapper or box, such as Fragile, Expedite, Corrosive.

Items that contain stains, such as clothing with stains of blood or other body fluids, should not be placed in airtight plastic containers. "Sweating" and moisture accumulation may occur within such containers, contaminating the evidence. Such items must be dry _{before packaging.} This caution also applies to fingerprint evidence.

With the exception of explosives (oils and gasoline), liquid evidence should be packed in sterile, all-glass bottles or other containers and sealed with wax or other suitable materials.

In general, small, solid items such as fibers, hairs, paint scrapings, powder, powder patterns, and threads should be placed on separate pieces of plain paper. Fold each piece of paper and pack it in a pill or powder box, paper container, or druggist fold. Seal the container with adhesive tape, wax, or other suitable material.

Documents, exemplars, standards, strings, twine, and rope should be placed in an inner cellophane envelope and an outer manila envelope. Cellophane is not suitable for packing any item that will rust or corrode.

Packages containing items of evidence such as acids, ammunition, alkalies, gasoline, glass fragments, guns, liquids, matches, medicines, chemicals, drugs, and paints, which require careful or selective handling while in transit, should be labeled Corrosive, Fragile, Keep Away From Fire, or Keep Cool, as appropriate.

Federal laws prohibit the transmission of certain types of merchandise through postal channels. If there is any question of mailing, the nearest postmaster should be consulted.

Materials bearing traces of accelerant, like those recovered in an arson investigation, should be sealed in a vaportight container, such as a Mason jar. They should not be sent in plastic bags because accelerant will leak through plastic.

Growing plant material should not be placed in airtight plastic containers, since moisture accumulates, making examination difficult. Growing plants should either be dried before shipment or wrapped in porous paper, and the laboratory notified in advance of the shipment.

Appendix II lists items of evidence most commonly transmitted to laboratories and the methods of transmittal. If you are ever in doubt about any issue concerning evidence submissions to the laboratory, the NCISRFLs in Norfolk and San Diego have "duty examiners" available 24 hours a day. Weekends and after hours, the duty examiner may be reached by calling COMNAVBASE Norfolk or San Diego Base Police.